Michiana family moves forward one year after Twin Lakes Tornado

TWIN LAKES, Mich. -- One year after complete chaos came through Jeffery Street in Twin Lakes, there's still an eerie calm today and while the shite of Joise flower's family home is serene, her life has felt as turbulent as a tornado itself. 

"I can't believe we made it to where we are," Fowler admitted. "That's honestly what goes through my mind on a regular basis."

The house in Twin Lakes looks like a disaster after an EF-1 twister with winds of 95 MPH blew through, but in July of 2024, Fowlers was surprised to hear that FEMA denied Michigan Govenor Gretchen Whitmer's request for a major disaster declaration, for a while it looked like no financial help was on the way.

However, Governor Whitmer was able to secure the first ever U.S Small Business Association Disaster Assistance, finally giving fowler a lifeline.

"Getting an SBA disaster loan, dealing with the government has been quite the process, Fowler explained. "But, I can happily say that on November 19, we closed on our new home"

The new house is closer to the family business in Saugatuck, and has plenty of spots for Fowler's cat Peach, who was rescued from the crushed house after the tornado hit.

Life has been a series of firsts for Fowler and her family, and this summer will feature another one, the first time she won't traveling to Twin Lakes.

"It's really traumatic to go back there," Fowler said. "But it's weird, you know. Twin Lakes was where our kids went to the elementary school there. They grew up down there. So, it is an odd feeling."

Through it all, Fowler has followed a simple mantra, something she hopes will help others dealing with disaster: Keep Going.

"It is hard. Sometimes it's not day to day. It is moment to moment. And if you survive to the next moment that is wonderful.

"Find someone, find a support network, and to just keep going, because that's all you can do."